Word
meaningful
Meanings
having real importance, value, or purpose
clearly communicating an idea; full of significance rather than empty or vague
Definition
Having a clear purpose, value, or significance, rather than being trivial or empty.
If something is meaningful, it matters and has real importance or value. It can describe actions, experiences, relationships, or work that feel purposeful and significant. It can also refer to words or information that clearly communicate an idea instead of being vague or pointless.
Examples
- I want my work to feel meaningful, not just busy.
- She found a meaningful connection with the local community through volunteering.
- Their apology was meaningful because it addressed the harm and explained how they would change.
- This dataset becomes meaningful only when you interpret it within a clear context.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use meaningful for “full of meaning” in a literal, dictionary sense when they actually mean “significant” or “important.”
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.